The Mardon Skipper (Polites mardon) is listed as state endangered in the state of Washington. Small populations remain in only three states; Washington, Oregon, and California. Research efforts have been initiated in these states to form a conservation plan to increase populations.
The host plant is Idaho Fescue (Festuca idahoensis) and Red Fescue (Festuca rubra). Its natural habitat is native open grasslands. These areas have decreased because of fire suppression, introductions of exotic species, human developments, and agricultural needs.
Sarina Jepsen is the Endangered Species Coordinator for The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. She is extremely knowledgeable and can be contacted for additional information regarding the Mardon Skipper at sarina@xerces.org. (Photo Credit: Donald Gudehus)
